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Assessment and goals of 1000BRAINS

Within the scope of 1000BRAINS, conducted at the Research Centre Jülich, structure and function of the brain of 1000 subjects are extensively examined, starting in September 2011. This will allow understanding of the interplay of different brain regions and related changes thereof due to the normal process of ageing.

Structure and function of the brain are assessed using magnetic resonance imaging as well as additional tests, which focus not only on cognitive functions such as memory or attention, but particularly on the examination of the motor functions of the subjects. Additionally, relevant factors such as life satisfaction or personality are acquired. A major advantage of these assessments is provided by the possibility to not only use data from Jülich but also from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study for any evaluation of scientific research questions. This allows for the first time studying the variability of brain ageing in relation to long-run data (from up to 10 years back) on living conditions, social and genetic factors as well as health conditions of the subjects. These analyses are supplemented by investigations on the normative aspects and ethical implications at the trade-off between normal and pathological ageing. Overall, 1000BRAINS will provide insights into the variability of normal ageing of the brain as well as markers for early changes caused by different disesases.